Male breast cancer in Iraq: exploring the potential of chitotriosidase as a key diagnostic and prognostic biomarker

Abstract

Male breast cancer (MBC) is rare (accounting for less than 1% of all breast cancer cases worldwide), but remains a significant public health concern. The prevalence of MBC is rising, particularly in regions with limited epidemiological data, such as Iraq, where delayed diagnosis and low awareness exacerbate outcomes. This retrospective observational study was conducted at the Specialized Oncology Center in Tikrit (Iraq), between December 2020 and September 2024. A total of 24 patients were included, and key risk factors (such as hormone misuse, family history of cancer, and obesity) were assessed. Patients were stratified into four age groups for prevalence analysis. Descriptive and inferential statistical methods revealed that the highest incidence of MBC occurred in the 35–44 year group (N=7; 29.2%). Hormone use was most prevalent in the 25–34 year group (80%) and declined with advancing age. Obesity rates increased progressively from 40% in the 25–34 year group to 83% in the 55–70 year group. Similarly, the proportion of individuals reporting a family history of cancer rose from 20% to 67% across these respective age groups. Odds ratio (OR) calculations indicated that both obesity (OR: 2.10) and hormone use (OR: 1.93) were positively associated with increased MBC risk.